In a recent study that has come up, it has been proved that rampant use of glyphosate has carcinogenic impacts, thus raising severe safety concerns. The study was carried out by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine researchers.

Glyphosate is the crucial ingredient in the agro-giant Monsanto’s weedkiller, Roundup. The study also found that glyphosate use has increased fifteen times after the introduction of GM crops in the US since 1994 when GM “Roundup Ready” glyphosate-tolerant crops were introduced.

Dr Paul J. Mills, the research head, has pointed out, “Historically, it (glyphosate) is used on genetically modified soy and corn, but it is also sprayed on a substantial portion of wheat and oats grown in the US.”

It is dangerous because people are unaware of the fact that they are consuming this toxin every day, via their diet and it is this bioaccumulation of glyphosate that is sure to have adverse effects on health.

Referring to other studies, the authors have opined that consistently feeding animals an ultra-low dosage of glyphosate resulted in liver disorders similar to the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in humans.

In India, the consumption of glyphosate was 148 million tonnes in 2014-15, the highest for any herbicide.

A similar study was carried out in 2010 by Indian scientists that had found out that glyphosate-induced weedicides have carcinogenic effects.

An Indian spokesperson for the agro-giant, Monsanto, reportedly said, “Glyphosate has a long history of safe use. All labelled uses of glyphosate of which Roundup is a leading brand, are safe for human health and environment. Moreover, no regulatory body in the world has concluded that glyphosate is carcinogenic.”

The Logical Indian Take

Environmentalists say that regulation of pesticide and herbicide use in India is abysmal. Around 50 farmers have died, and 800 are hospitalised in the Yavatmal and neighbouring districts of Maharashtra after an insecticide known as ‘Profex Super’ was sprayed on their Bt cotton plantations. They died after accidentally inhaling toxic fumes. At least 20 have lost vision too.

The deaths of the farmers have reopened the debate about using such pesticides which have been banned or restricted elsewhere in the world due to their high toxicity. Against the backdrop of the incidents, a Delhi-based organisation ‘Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)’ on 18 October came out with a list of seven immensely or highly hazardous pesticides which continue to be used in India despite these being banned in many countries.

In Europe, more than a million people have signed a petition against Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer, fearing it has carcinogenic impacts. Its license runs out in Europe on 15 December, and EU officials haven’t extended it. The World Health Organization (WHO) have said glyphosate may pose a carcinogenic threat to humans. The EU has postponed a critical decision on whether to re-authorize the use of glyphosate after the European Parliament voted in favour of phasing out the controversial herbicide by 2022.

The Logical Indian urges the authorities to look into the matter and ensure that the use of glyphosate-induced weedicides is reduced to a bare minimum if not banned altogether.

Eminent agricultural activist, Kavitha Kuruganti has started a petition addressing the Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare Minister, Radhamohan Singh to ban glyphosate-induced weedicides and to stop its misuse; you can sign the petition here.

He Used To Drink Whisky Like Water, Now He Can’t Even Drink Water – My Dad’s Cancer Story

Partner Story

Even at 76, Pradip Burman, the zestful chairman of Mobius Foundation radiates a contagious enthusiasm when he is talking about sustainability. The environmental crusader, better known to many as the great-grandson of Dabur founder Dr S.K.Burman, has devoted substantial attention towards promoting the concept of sustainability in all aspects of life. He refuses to conform to the convenience and comfort in today’s world which ultimately adds on to the adverse effects of climate change.

Talking to The Logical Indian, Burman emphasised why sustainability as a concept is indispensable for us. “We ought to be aware of what lies ahead of us. Soon we will finish the oil, iron, tin, and coal, and our next generations will be left with nothing. Recycling, banning plastics, stop felling trees for paper… This should become a part of everyone’s lifestyle,” he urges.

Mr Burman watering a sapling at the tree plantation drive organised by his non-profit Mobius Foundation

Traditional wisdom and modern research

A mechanical engineer from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, Burman had always nurtured a keen interest in helping the society, as evident from his graduation project of designing a sonic aid for the visually challenged, which detected obstacles in the way using ultrasonic wave signals.

As an executive for the nature-centric company Dabur, Burman has always opted for natural alternatives to solve his everyday problems like taking Ayurvedic medicine to cure his Arthritis. He later launched the veterinary wing for Dabur – Ayurvet – which provides nature-friendly solutions for animal health care.

A patron of the ancient scientific wisdom of India, Burman always hailed the confluence of “traditional knowledge and modern research”, which he advocated as the Ayurvet motto.

Ayurvet is one of the best ventures by Mr Burman

As part of the CSR initiative of Dabur, Pradip Burman founded SUNDESH (Sustainable Development Society) which has been tirelessly working for last 25 years in remote villages for uplifting the rural communities in an environmentally sustainable way.

An advocate of sustainability

Burman believes that sustainability is the indispensable mantra for the world at present. Due to uncontrolled utilisation of the planet’s resources by human beings, the world today stands at a juncture of destabilisation. Today the human race has reached the pinnacle of progress but the advancement is happening in a very unsustainable manner.

Through energy-efficient use of everyday essentials like transport, communication, altered habits of diet, clothing and daily living, some crusaders of sustainability try to reduce their carbon footprint. Pradip Burman’s Mobius Foundation is one of the forerunners toward sustainability goals.

Mobius Foundation aims to change the sustainability dynamics

In 2015, Burman paved the way for the start of Mobius Foundation, focused on sustainability. Named after 18th-century German mathematician August Ferdinand Mobius, the famous Mobius strip has an important philosophical significance. The extraordinary shape symbolises balance and union.

Similar is the essence of Mobius Foundation which wishes to enhance the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principle to a widespread basis in India, helping generations to come.

Founder Pradip Burman wishes to achieve notable development in education, population stabilisation and renewable energy projects.

A dream school in the making

At Coorg, Pradip Burman’s Mobius Foundation is constructing the World Environment School, Coorg (WESc) where the curriculum will surpass the boundaries of books and classrooms, with a special focus on hands-on learning in close collaboration with the environment. Amidst the pristine natural beauty of Coorg, the school will nurture young minds to grow up into future green leaders. As of now, the school will be open to teenagers, welcoming students from standards 6 to 12.

Needless to say, World Environment School will be the first-of-its-kind not only in India but also in entire South Asia. The school is expected to start from March 2020.

The school promises to nurture the responsible behaviour of citizens of our future.

The Sustainability Conference of 2019

In 2019, the Mobius Foundation has planned an international conference, on the lines of the celebrated earth summits over the past decade. The 2019 International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE 2019) aims to bring together environmental activists, practitioners of sustainable development as well as climate change experts to help develop a sustainability-focused curriculum.

It is surmised that the conference will give a platform to innovative concepts of Sustainability Education including an essential change in the existing education system ensuring a wholesome personal development for a student.

The Sustainability crusader

The Mobius founder strongly believes that it is high time to sprout sustainability awareness among a society drowning in consumerism and unknowingly doing irreparable harm to the planet, every second. The best way to achieve this goal is through education which is available to all. At present, the education system is predominantly career-oriented, making the learners a victim of materialism, and thus, their dreams are also outlined in those colours.

Living beyond the limits

When asked about his wish to attain the age of hundred, he strongly asserts that more than becoming a centurion, he wishes his life and work continue to better the society even in his absence. “I have lived my life. I wish that whatever I start before I go, will continue – for the betterment of my country,” says Mr Pradip Burman.

He is also a trustee of the Climate Reality Project – India (affiliated to Mr. Al Gore of the Climate Reality Project Foundation, USA). Climate Reality Project, India, has been actively engaged igniting the spark and spreading the message of climate change amongst educators, policy makers and civil society. The India branch looks after more than 500 trained Climate Leaders, and more than 900 volunteers spread all over the country.

In his journey, Pradip Burman has been a beacon of hope for millions, motivating many to join the movement for sustainability. We wish he continues his tireless efforts for promoting sustainability awareness and inspire generations to come.